Fence post



Dec. 21, 1943.

F. w. MEYER FENCE PosT Filed Julyl. 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet l F. W. MEYER Dec. 21;' 1943.

FENCE POST Filed July 1e, `1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Dec. 21, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FENCE POST Frank W. Meyer, East St. Louis, Ill.

Application July 16, 1942, Serial No. 451,145

10 Claims.

This invention relates to fence posts; and has special reference to fence posts including a post body adapted to extend into and above the ground, and a fence holding or attaching member adapted to be detachably secured to that portion of the post body that extends above the ground.

An object of the invention is to provide a post comprising a post body having a lower portion adapted to extend into the ground and an upper portion extending above the ground, and a fence holding or attaching member interlocked with that portion of the post that extends above the ground in a manner to prevent displacement in any direction, and lateral extensions rigid or integral with the lower portion of the post that is embedded in the ground and which also are covered in the ground when the post is in use and which function by engagement with the ground to prevent lateral tilting or leaning of the post.

Another object of the invention is to provide a metallic post including a tubular lower portion sealed at its upper end and adapted to be driven or mounted in the ground to support the post for use, an upper portion that is angular in crosssection and which is integrally united with the lower portion and rigidly supported thereby, `in combination with a fence attaching and holding member adapted to be interlocked in the angular upper portion of the post and adapted to support the fence structure and, in the case of wires, to stretch and hold the wires under tension.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved metallic fence post having a lower portion adapted to be extended or driven into the ground and an integral upper portion that is angular in cross-section, and a device adapted to be interlocked with the angular upper portion of the post for supporting the fence structure; and in this construction said device may be either an impenetrable metallic element provided with means for supporting wires, or penetrable so that nails may be driven into it to Support suitable fence structure.

Various other objects and advantages will appear from the following description, reference being made to the annexed drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevation with parts in section showing that embodiment of the invention including the tubular lower portion of the post having its upper end closed or hermetically sealed.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the post shown in Fig. 1, also showing the post proper and the fence holding or attaching member spread apart.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view similar to Fig. 2, showing fence wires attached to the post.

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the post on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a post of modied construction but including an angular upper portion and a fence holding or attaching member nested in the angle of the upper portion for holding fence wires.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the upper section of the post on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 6a is a top plan view of the post shown in Figs. 1 and 2, showing angularly extended fence wire supporting members attached to and projecting above the post proper.

Fig. 6b is a vertical cross-sectional view of this portion of the post on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. '1 is a side elevation of a modified form of post having the upper portion thereof shown in section, the post proper and the fence holding or attaching member being spread apart.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the post shown in Fig. 7, the two post elements being spread apart.

Fig. 8a is a vertical cross-sectional view of the upper portion of a post like the post shown in Fig. 5 and having attached thereto angularly extended fence wire supporting members.

Fig. 8b is a cross-sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 8a.

Fig. 9 is an elevation showing the attaching side of a post of modied construction having a penetrable fence attaching and supporting member detachably secured thereto.

Fig. 10 is a top plan View of the post shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a top plan View of the post elements of Figs. 9 and 10 showing said elements spread apart.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the post of Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the upper portion of the post body being in section and the fence supporting or holding member spaced from the post body, as in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the upper portion of the assembled post of Figs. 9 and 10, showing a completed fence.

In one embodiment ci the invention, the post body is composed of a section of tubing. It comprises a hollow tubular lower portion l adapted to be driven into the ground or otherwise placed and embedded in the ground. Approximately one-half of the upper portion of the post, which is to say that portion of the post body that extends above the ground, is rolled or otherwise pressed together to form the upper portion of the post body. Preferably, the upper portion of the tube is pressed together to form an outer ply 2 and an inner ply 3, the inner ply 3 comprising that one-half of the tube opposite from the ply 2. Thus a vertical channel is formed in one side of the upper portion of the post above the tubular lower portion I. The lower end of the inner ply 3 is integrally connected with the wall of the tubular lower portion I by a connecting wall d. The plies 2 and 3 may be hermetically and imperviously sealed by any appropriate hermetic sealing means, as by a weld 5.

A hole is formed in the Wall d, which is left open when the tubular part I of the post is driven into the ground in order to permit escape of air from within said tubular part I. After the tubular part I of the post has been driven completely into the ground, as indicated in Fig. 1, the hole in the wall 4 is hermetically closed and sealed by a plug 6 and a weld 'I, or otherwise. This substantially prevents Withdrawal of the post from the ground without at the same time removing the body of earth or material contained within the post, since Withdrawal of the post from the ground without said core of earth or body of material would create a vacuum within the tubular part I.

A pair of oppositely extended arms 8 of considerable vertical width are rigidly attached to opposite sides of the tubular part I of the post by welds 9 or otherwise. Thesetarms extend in the same general direction in which the fence l@ extends, and they function to prevent or resist lateral tilting or leaning of the post. They cooperate directly with the lower portion of the post that is embedded in the ground to prevent or retard such lateral leaning or tilting.

A semi-tubular fence holding or attaching member Il is provided for cooperation with the upper portion of the post 2--3 to support, hold and tension the fence wires Ill. The plies 2--3 have holes I2 with which holes I3 in the member II register when said parts are in cooperative relation. The member II is provided with a number of bendable fingers or projections Iii adapted to receive thereon and thereby support the wires I!) of the fence. Bolts I may be passed through the holes I2 and I3 in order to attach the member I! to the post proper and complete the fence. Removable and replaceable nuts I@ are provided for the bolts I 5. The fasteners I 5-I6 constitute means foi` drawing the member II forcibly toward the post proper whenever the wires Ill become slack or loose, in order to tighten and tension said wires. In their final positions, the ngers or projections I4 may engage against the ply 3, as shown in Fig. 4, and be bent or clinched about the wires Ill.

As shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, the post may be provided with angularly extended wire supporting members attached to and projecting above the post proper. Either of these angularly extended wire supporting members projecting above and laterally beyond the post proper may be used Without the other, or both may be used together. As shown, the member 2a is of singleply thickness, approximately semi-circular in end elevation or in cross-section in conformity with the curvature of the ply 2. This member is angular in cross-section and the lower portion thereof seats and curves against the outer curved surface of the ply 2 While the upper fence wire supporting portion of said member extends therefrom at an angle of about 45, more or less. This angular relationship may be varied optionally. The upper bolt I5 passes through the lower portion of the member 2a and clamps the same rigidly against the ply 2, as shown in Fig. 6b. Additional fence wires ma may be extended across the curved side of and above the member 2a and held rigidly in place by an attaching member ila having bendable iingers or projections Ida adapted to receive thereon and thereby support the wires lila. Bolts Ia with nuts Ita analogous to the bolts l5 and nuts I6 pass through members 2a and Ila and constitute releasable means for holding said member IIa in rigid position and for forcing said member toward the member 22a to hold the wires Illa under tension and to tighten them when they become slack or loose. An opening 2b is formed through the lower portion of the member 2a near the angle thereof and above the body of the post proper to permit water and other accumulated material to drain and pass from within said member 20L.

The other angularly extended wire supporting member projects beyond the opposite side of the post from the member 2a, and comprises a part lib that is approximately semi-circular in end elevation or in cross-section. The member IIb curves oppositely from the member 2o. and may be integrally or otherwise attached to the upper portion of the member I l as by welding I Ic. The upper bolt I5 which holds the member I I in rigid assembly on the post proper thereby holds the part Iii; in rigid assembly. An attaching member I ia having bendable fingers Ida is a duplicate of the member IIa previously described, and is engaged and held in position by bolts Ia and nuts Ita. The member Ib is formed with a hole h, near its angle for the discharge of Water and other accumulations from said member IIb. Thus, it will be seen that either one or both of the angularly extended wire supporting members 2a and Iib may be used optionally.

The alternative form of post body is angular in cross-section throughout its length and omits the tubular anchoring portion l, but includes a pair of oppositely extended arms analogous to the arms 8 and for the same purpose. This alternative form of post comprises a body including a lower portion Il adapted to be driven or other- Wise anchored in the ground and an upper portion E5 extending above the ground to support the fence proper. Each of the two angularly extended. sides of the lower portion Il of this post has an arm E9 integrally or rigidly attached thereto by welds E@ or otherwise. These arms extend generally in the direction in which the fence wires 2! (Fig. 5) extend in order to prevent or resist lateral leaning or tilting of the post after the fence is completed. Holes 22 are formed through the angle of the upper portion I8 of the post and register with similar holes 23 in the angular attaching member 24 when the parts are assembled and the fence is completed. A number of bendable fingers or projections 25 are formed integral or rigid with the fence holding and supporting member 24 for engagement with the fence Wires ZI to hold and support the same. Bolts 2% pass through the holes 22 and 23 and are equipped with nuts 2l which may be tightened to place the wires 2i under tension. These nuts 2'? may be tightened from time to time whenever the wires 2i become slack or loose, in order to stretch and tension them. The member 2li is preferably metallic and substantially impenetrable, and is designed to function as the member II to support wires against the post proper, to tension said wires initially, and to be operated to tension and stretch the wires whenever they become slack or loose after completion of the fence.

As shown in Figs. 8a and 8b, the post of Fig. may be provided with one or more angularly extended wire supporting members attached to and projecting above the post proper. Either of these angularly extended wire supporting members projecting above and laterally beyond the post proper may be used Without the other, or both may be used together. As shown, the member Ita is angular in end elevation or in crosssection in conformity with the angular formation of the body portion E3. The lower portion of this member engages against the outer angular surface of the post body I8 while the upper fence wire supporting portion of said member extends therefrom at an angle of about 45, more or less. This angular relationship may be varied optionally. rThe upper bolt 26 passes through the lower portion of the member Ia and clamps the same against the post body I8, as shown. Additional fence wires Ill may be extended across the upper side of the member I8a and held rigidly in place by an attaching member 2130i having bendable lingers or projections Ida adapted to receive thereon and thereby support the wires I4. Bolts a with nuts 21a analogous to the bolts 28 and nuts 21 pass through the members Isa and 24a. and constitute releasable means for holding said member in rigid position to hold the wires under tension and to tighten them when they become slack or loose. An opening Ib is formed through the lower portion of the member I8a for the discharge of water and other accumulations.

The other angularly extended wire supporting member projects beyond the opposite side of the post from the member I8a, and comprises a part 2Gb which is angular in end elevation or in crosssection. The member 24h extends oppositely from the member Ia and may be integrally attached by welding or otherwise secured to the upper portion of the member 24. The bolt 26 which holds the member 24 in rigid assembly on the post proper thereby holds the part 24h in rigid assembly. An attaching member 34 having bendable ngers 35 is a duplicate of the attaching member 24a, previously described, and is engaged and held in position by bolts 36 and nuts The member 24h is formed with a hole 24C near its angle for the discharge of water and other accumulations. rIhus, it will be seen that either one or both of the angularly extended wire supporting members I4@ and 24h may be used optionally.

In the fence of Fig. 1 or the fence of Fig. 7, a penetrable removable and replaceable fence supporting and holding member may be substituted either for the member II or the member 24. This penetrable fence holding and attaching member is shown in Figs. 9 to 13, and comprises an elongated member 28 of wood or the like,

angular in cross-section, so as to be received stringere and into the member 28, or by other fastening means. In this form of post, the members 28 may be removed and replaced from time to time since they may not last as long as the post proper, and it may be desirable for one purpose or another to make repairs and substitutions. This may easily be done. In all forms of the post shown, the fence holding and attaching members II, 24 and 28 are wholly above the ground, as shown- From the foregoing, it is apparent that this invention economically and satisfactorily attains al1 of its intended objects vand purposes. It is possible that the invention may be varied otherwise within the scope of equivalent limits without departure from the nature and principle thereof. I contemplate such variations as may be found desirable.

I claim:

l. A fence post composed of a tubular lower portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a closed upper end, an upper portion oi the post integrally united with said tubular lower portion and having a vertical channel along one side thereof, a fence stretching and holding or attaching member arranged to extend longitudinally within said channel in said upper portion, means for supporting fence elements between said upper portion of said post and said attaching member, leaving said fence elements extending angularly across said attaching member and within said channel in said upper portion, and means for drawing said attaching member toward and securing said member to said upper portion of said post.

2. A metallic fence post composed of a tubular lower portion to be embedded in the ground and an angular upper portion extending above the ground to support the fence and having a vertical channel along one side thereof, a metallic fence holding or attaching member extending longitudinally within said channel in said upper portion, means integral with said member for engaging and supporting fence elements extending between said upper portion and said member and angularly across said member Within said channel in said upper portion, and releasable devices for forcibly drawing said member toward said upper portion and within said channel to tension and tighten the fence elements and for attaching said member to said upper portion.

3. A metallic fence post comprising a lower portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and an angular upper portion above the ground for supporting fence structure extending transversely of the angle of said upper portion, arms rigid with said lower portion and extending in opposite directions and parallel with the fence for preventing lateral tilting or leaning of the post, a penetrable nail receiving member seated within the angle of the upper portion of said post above the ground, releasable devices holding said member from longitudinal and also from lateral displacement, fence structure extending across the exposed side of said member, and means embedded in said member securing the fence structure thereto.

4. A metallic fence post comprising a tubular lower portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and having its upper end hermetically sealed and an upper portion provided with a vertical channel along one side thereof, an attaching member mounted within said channel in said upper portion, releasable devices rigidly securing said attaching member to said upper portion and preventing both lateral and longitudinal displacement of said member, and fence structure wholly supported by the exposed side of said attaching member.

5. A fence post comprising a lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and an upper end portion projecting above the ground for supporting the fence, a fence holding or attaching member rigidly secured to said portion of said post that extends above the ground for holding the fence in rigid relationship on the post, an angularly extended wire supporting member attached to and projecting above said post laterally from the direction in which the fence extends across the post, and two oppositely extended arms of relatively considerable vertical width attached to opposite sides of said lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground with said lower end portion and extending generally in the direction of and parallel with the fence for preventing lateral tilting and leaning of the post and the fence.

5. A fence post comprising a lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and an angular upper end projecting above the ground for supporting the fence, a fence holding or attaching member nested within the angle of said portion 01"' said post that extends above the ground for holding the fence in rigid relationship on the post, releasable devices for attaching said member to said upper end portion, a supporting member projecting above and laterally from said post and the fence attached thereto, and means for holding said supporting member in rigid connection with said upper end portion of the post.

'.7. A fence post comprising a lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and an angular upper end portion projecting above the ground for supporting the fence, a fence holding or attaching member rigidly secured within the angle of said portion of said post that extends above the ground for.holding the ience in rigid relationship on the post, diverging supporting members projecting above and laterally from said post and the fence attached thereto, means for holding said supporting members rigidly attached to said upper end portions in positions diverging angularly upwardly and laterally from the post and beyond the sides of the post, and two oppositely extended arms of relatively considerable vertical width attached to opposite sides of said lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground with said lower end portion and extending generally in the direction of and parallel with the fence for preventing lateral tilting and leaning oi the post and the fence.

8. A fence post comp-rising a lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and an upper end portion rising from integral connection with said lower end portion and having a channel along one side thereof from its upper end to said lower end portion, a vertically elongated fence holding or attaching member mounted within said channel, fasteners extending through said member and through said upper end portion of the post for holding said member rigidly within said channel, and projections attached to and supported by said member and located within said channel for receiving and supporting fence structure extending between said member and said upper end portion of said post.

9. A fence post comprising a lower end portion adapted to be embedded in the ground and an upper end portion rising from integral connectio with said lower end portion and having a channe along one side thereof from its upper end to said lower end portion and having a vertical series of holes approximately midway between the side edges thereof, a vertically elongated fence holding or attaching member located within said channel and having a vertical series of holes complementary to said holes in said upper end portion, projections attached to and supported by said member and located within said channel for receiving and supporting fence structure extending between said Inember and said upper end portion or" said post across said channel, and devices extending through said holes for forcibly drawing said member into said channel and thereby tightening fence structure extending across said channel between said member and said upper end portion.

i0. A fence post comprising a lower end portion adapted to be extended into the ground and an upper end portion rising from integral connection therewith and having a channel along one vertical side thereof from its upper end to said lower end portion and having a vertical series oi holes therethrough approximately midway between the side edges thereof, a vertically elongated fence holding or attaching member located within said channel and having a vertical series of holes corresponding to said vertical series of holes through said upper end portion, fasteners extending through said holes in said upper end portion and said member, detachable parts en gaging said fasteners and holding said member rigidly in said channel, two separate oppositely extended vertically wide arms having their inner ends spaced apart, means attaching said inner ends of said respective arms to the outer side of said lower end portion and leaving said channel open and unobstructed by any part of said arms, and means attached directly to said member and unattached to said upper end portion for supporting fence structure.

FRANK W. MEYER. 

